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Victor Hugo, who left his indelible mark on world literature, mentioned izmir in his 1829 poem "La Captive" as follows:
With her chapelles fair Smyrna- A gay princess is she! Still, at her summons, round her Unfading spring ye see. And, as in beauteous vases, Bright groups of flowers repose, So, in her gulfs are lying Her archipelagoes.
According to the latest archeological findings, this unique flower of the Aegean has been the door to the civilizations of Asia Minor with a 8,500 year past.
Ionians, Aeoleans, Lydians and Persians have passed through the ancient champaigns of izmir with their armor shining under the sun. Following them, Alexander the Great, with his victorious com¬manders, has watched this old and unforgettable city from a steep hill.
When izmir turned into a Turkish city after Byzantine rule, she became the meeting point of European and Eastern tradesmen and the indispensable junction of world trade.
izmir is the door to the world of today's modern Republic of Turkey.
izmir is one of the few cities in the world to have melted her unique voice, blended with Western motifs, in religion, culture and trade-and created a common living culture.
izmir is the city of tolerance, peace and of living together.
In Izmir-the city of Homer-the past and the future, natural beauties and culture, commerce and the rhythm of life work together for twenty-four hours a day.
In this most beautiful geography of Anatolia, it is possible to find all the marks of many civilizations, as well as all the privileges and opportunities that modern tourism and developed commerce offer.
izmir continues to smile to the world like a princess with its 8,500 year old, long-established history.
izmir invites you to explore her.
Beautiful izmir greets you with its most beautiful face.
Turkey's Third Largest City
With a land area of 12,000 sq. km. and a popu¬lation of 3.4 million, Izmir is the third largest city of Turkey and its second largest industrial city.
Izmir Chamber of Commerce
Izmir Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1885 and, with its more than 65,000 members, is the second largest chamber of commerce in Turkey.
Turkey's Largest Container Exporting Port
The Izmir Port is Turkey's largest container exporting port.
Izmir International Fair
Izmir International Fair which opened its doors for the 76th time in 2007 hosts many companies from a wide range of sectors.
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